Heat pump performance improvement by PVT and/or energy storage integration.

Summary

The UK’s net zero strategy clearly emphasises the role of heat pumps, other renewable technologies (e.g., Solar PV/thermal, hydrogen), and EVs with an increased share of renewable electricity while keeping the security of supply in mind. Heavy reliance on gas in domestic heating, housing stock, cost, and user behaviour/awareness pose some challenges for such efficient and renewable technologies.

Heat pumps have a key role in decarbonising heat in the building sector. Heat pump integration with Photovoltaics/Thermal (PV/T) technology could provide several benefits with the use of energy storage (thermal/electrical). Such integrated technologies could play a key role in providing demand-side flexibility with benefits to users. Although the integrated system can provide space heating, hot water, and electricity to meet whole or partial domestic energy needs, the optimum system sizing, control and performance are challenging for their application in the domestic sector.

This project aims to investigate the integration of energy storage (such as PCM), PV/T or nanomaterial application for performance optimisation, control and possible frost-free operation. The project could focus on three key areas: 1.) Investigation on various possible integration of PV/T with heat pumps, 2.) Use of PCM at various levels with heat pump systems, and 3.) Performance enhancements using suitable material with PCM, PVT or HP (ingerated system or standalone HP)

The project will be supported by researchers and technical staff at CST.  To support the project, software such as TRNSYS, MATLAB and Ansys will be used for numerical analysis and system simulation based on various configurations. For experimental evaluation, the existing PV/T unit, heat pump unit, test chamber and characterisation facilities at Ulster University and with other partner universities/industries will be used.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.